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Cloudy PVC

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What Causes Cloudy PVC

Why would clear PVC turn cloudy?

A few typical causes might cause clear PVC tarps to grow cloudy over time:

  • UV Exposure: Extended exposure to sunshine can degrade PVC, causing it to become brittle and hazy. Even the UV inhibitors found in many PVC tarps can deteriorate with prolonged exposure to the sun.
  • Temperature Fluctuations: PVC may expand and contract at extreme temperatures, particularly in very hot conditions. This can result in a foggy or cloudy look and impair the material structure.
  • Chemical Exposure: The PVC material may react with harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products or air pollutants, giving it a hazy look.
  • Micro-scratches: The surface may be scratched by frequent handling, cleaning, or environmental abrasives like dust or sand, giving the appearance of haze. Due to its relative softness, clear PVC is particularly vulnerable to this.
  • Moisture: If water or moisture builds up on the tarp and isn't removed when storing it for the season, it can cause the material to become cloudy.

Examples

cloudy pvc
cloudy pvc 3
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Common Causes

What is the most common reason for clouding PVC?

From our investigations, the most common reason PVC becomes cloudy is due to improper storage. Many customers use their clear PVC tarps and then store them after the season. Unfortunately, incorrect storage practices can lead to damage.

Some customers store their tarps in outdoor sheds that can get excessively hot in the summer, which may cause discoloration. Another issue we’ve observed is putting the tarps away while still wet or with condensation buildup. When tarps are stored in areas with temperature fluctuations, moisture can accumulate on the surface, similar to how a cold glass of water develops condensation. This excess moisture, after months of storage, can give the PVC a cloudy appearance.

How to Properly Store PVC

Tips For Storage

After winter use, clear PVC tarps should be stored properly to preserve their clarity and extend their useful life. Here is a detailed guide. The tarp will remain clear and in good shape for the upcoming season if you follow these instructions:

Clean Completely: To get rid of any dirt, debris, or mildew, wash the tarp with tepid water and mild soap. Steer clear of harsh chemicals as they can harm the material. To make sure there is no residue left, thoroughly rinse.

Dry Completely: Before storing, make sure the tarp is completely dry. Over time, the tarp may become cloudy due to the growth of mold or mildew caused by any moisture left on the surface.

Avoid Folding Too Tightly: If at all possible, roll the tarp rather than fold it. This lessens the PVC's wrinkles and tension, which lowers the possibility of clouding or cracking.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Even while stored, UV rays can break down PVC, so keep the tarp out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dark place like a climate-controlled garage or shed.

Use a Storage Bag or Container: To shield the tarp from dust and insects, place it in a breathable storage bag or container. Steer clear of plastic bags since mildew and condensation might result from stored moisture.

Avoid Sharp Objects: Make sure the tarp is not in close proximity to any sharp objects or instruments that could cause scratches or other damage while being stored.

Can I Restore My PVC?

There are YouTube videos demonstrating how people restore PVC, particularly with convertible car and boat PVC windows. While these products use PVC in different ways, the material is the same as clear tarp PVC. From the videos we’ve watched, it appears that buffing, followed by applying a polish, effectively restores clarity. Buffing seems to be a crucial part of the process.

Here’s an example video.

In the video, you can see that he first buffs the area and then applies the polish. You can purchase handheld buffers for around $20 on Amazon, as shown in the example image below. Be cautious, as he mentions, not to hold the buffer in one spot for too long to prevent heat/friction buildup that can warp the PVC.